How To Respond To Being Served Divorce Papers

Being served with divorce papers, particularly when the request for a divorce comes as a surprise, can be one of the most overwhelming experiences a man ever faces.

Filing for divorce is the first step in legally dissolving a marriage and whoever files first is at an advantage in many states. While it is normal to be confused and even frightened after being served with divorce papers, it is critical to act quickly and decisively to make sure you put yourself on the right track going into the divorce process.

Here is a primer on what to look for, and how to respond, when you are served with divorce papers by your spouse.

What are these papers?

When you are served divorce papers, you are served with a Summons and a Complaint.

A court summons is the paper that tells a defendant that he or she is being sued and asserts the power of the court to hear and determine the case. This form will explain your obligations, such as required court appearances, upon being served.

The complaint is the pleading that initiates a civil action. This document will state the legal foundation for the court having jurisdiction and venue over the case. It will also detail what your spouse is asking for in the divorce.

You might also be served with additional papers, such as an emergency order granting your wife temporary custody of your kids until a hearing can take place. You need to read over these very carefully.

Once you are served with papers, the clock immediately starts and, in most states, you will typically have between 20 and 30 days to respond. If you fail to answer and counter-petition within that allotted time frame, an attorney can file a motion to answer out of time and ask the judge for permission to file an answer in the case.

Cordell & Cordell understands the concerns men face during divorce.

If you are confused at all as to what the papers mean or what your responsibilities are, you should consult with an attorney immediately.

“Even if you might not need an attorney to represent you as the case proceeds, you should always speak to an attorney to make sure you understand what your legal rights are, what your responsibilities are and they can give you advice for representing yourself as the matter continues should you choose not to hire an attorney,” McCabe said.

If you do decide to consult an attorney, you need to do so as soon as possible as your attorney may need some time to prepare your response.

Although it is often overwhelming when you’re greeted with divorce papers at your doorstep, you don’t need to panic. You do, however, need to act quickly and decisively and come up with a clear strategy going into your divorce case.

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9 comments on “How To Respond To Being Served Divorce Papers”

My wife out of blue wanted divorce, one week she said looking forward to staying married forever following week . I have feelings for another man. I moved out the next day he moved in. My wife takes Prozac.
And drinks a minimum of 2.5 gallons a week she also takes meds for OCD and ADD.
SHE IS NOT CLEARLY THINKING. I want to save our marriage.

My spouse abandoned me about 18 months ago left me in the marital home did not make any payments on the house for 14 months came back home for about a month and live here I’ve stopped payment on the home and she’s trying to order me to pay payments I don’t have financial means to do this I’m relocating a moving can I get in trouble for up and leaving and she filed divorce papers now we live in Virginia she left the 1st of March so it’s been 4 months

We have a different situation than most. I have had our kids living back in our home for the past 3 years since I returned and she left and I supported them totally financially since our separation in 2010 when I was forced to leave our home. What is the exposure for me financially if I (we) continue this arrangement – I know she is in a relationship and does not want our girls living with her since it would impede on her freedom so I expect to stay put – just pay thru the nose with half my assets.
any advice? I sign the papers today

Hi
I have been served divorce papers as of today 7/2/17, in Allentown PA. We have been married less than three years. She had no income for 15 months of that time until this late winter when she got SSI. I have been on SSI since I retired in Feb 2014. I also have a monthly State of New York pension. What is she allowed for alimony ? We own a house and car together. Thanks

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